Acupuncture is a traditional form of medicine that began in China more than 2,000 years ago. Currently, it is practiced in nearly every area of the world.
Acupuncture is based on the flow of energy through pathways in the body. If these pathways become blocked, energy can get stuck. This can manifest as pain, swelling, weakness, or a number of different medical conditions. Acupuncture seeks to restore the smooth flow of energy through these pathways, creating balance and harmony in the body.
Treatments involve the insertion of single-use, sterile needles into specific points in the body. These needles are made of very fine stainless steel, which allows for minimal or no pain upon insertion. After the needles are inserted, patients may feel sensations around the acupuncture needles, such as itching, tingling, heaviness, or warmth.
Many modern studies have been done to discover the exact mechanism of how acupuncture works. Some theories believe that acupuncture affects the nervous system, the release of endorphins, or the connective tissue network.
Why Choose Community Acupuncture?
- The group setting makes the space feel less clinical and more like someone’s living room or community center. There is more appointment availability and many patients choose to come in with friends or family members. This makes the experience less isolating than being alone in a treatment room. People seem to relax more deeply and experience better results from the treatment when they are treated in a room with other people. It is also the way acupuncture historically was designed to be used, and how it is currently practiced in China.
- Although the treatment rooms are quiet and relaxing, community acupuncture is a no-fuss process. We will not spend much time chatting with you or offering extra services. Since acupuncture stimulates the healing process of your own body, we believe that simplicity of both setting and treatment leads to better outcomes.
- Since we perform many treatments each week and see a wide variety of patients, you get the benefit of acupuncturists with experience treating a broad range of conditions. The support of the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture enables us to tap into the collective experience of hundreds of other acupuncturists to help with challenging cases.
- Community acupuncture means more than just group treatments. It means practitioners and a business model that are committed to the growth and health of the community. Community acupuncturists actively seek out ways to be part of the community and to support local programs. Everyone benefits when more people have access to affordable acupuncture. Neighborhoods become physically healthier and more able to manage stress. Practitioners and patients work together to make the acupuncture experience better for the community.